The 2024/25 European season is quickly approaching, with 236 clubs set to compete in UEFA’s continental club competitions this season.
With the first qualifying round draws occurring next week, Extratime Talk will be providing a comprehensive coefficient preview. Between now and then, each country will be previewed, and all clubs participating in Europe for the 2024/25 season are discussed.
In these articles, we will provide analyses of what to expect from each country in Europe. We will explore what is on the line from a coefficient standpoint, and the keys to succeeding, in that country’s case.
We are on the 46th article of this series, where the attention now turns to Germany. With the euros starting, there is no better time to talk about what to expect from the German clubs next season.
Germany in Europe: Country Profile
| Previous Season Coefficient (Rank) | 19.357 (2nd) |
| Previous Season’s 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 86.624 (4th) |
| Starting 5-Year Coefficient (Rank) | 71.660 (4th) |
For some, the German clubs surprised in Europe. After all, we nearly had an all-German Champions League final. Add Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible run to the Europa League final, and it shows just how strong a year Germany had. These impressive showings in part helped Germany claim a European Performance Spot after finishing the top two of the season coefficient.
This means that for the 2024/25 season, Germany will have eight teams in Europe, with a fifth UCL place in their possession. Thus, many eyes will be on the eight clubs representing the Bundesliga in Europe next term, and whether we will see the German clubs succeed again.
Germany in Europe: Club Profile
| Club | Qualified As | Round of Entry | Total European Seasons | Last Season’s Performance | 5-Year Club Coefficient (2023/24) | 5-Year Country Coefficient Contribution, 2023/24 (%) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Domestic Champion | UCL League Phase | 30 | UEL Final | 90.000 | 12,768 (14,7%) |
| Stuttgart | Domestic Runner-up | UCL League Phase | 29 | N/A | 17.324 | N/A |
| Bayern Munich | Domestic Third Place | UCL League Phase | 57 | UCL Semifinal | 144.000 | 20.089 (23,2%) |
| RB Leipzig | Domestic Fourth Place | UCL League Phase | 8 | UCL Round of 16 | 97.000 | 13.964 (16.1%) |
| Borussia Dortmund | Domestic Fifth Place | UCL League Phase | 36 | UCL Final | 97.000 | 13.679 (15,8%) |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | Domestic Sixth Place | UEL League Phase | 26 | UECL Knockout Round Playoffs | 60.000 | 9.357 (10.8%) |
| Hoffenheim | Domestic Seventh Place | UEL League Phase | 4 | N/A | 17.324 | 1.714 (2%) |
| Heidenheim | Domestic Eighth Place | UECL Play-off Round | Debut | N/A | 17.324 | N/A |
Bayer Leverkusen had a phenomenal 2023/24 season, with all the headlines on them. Die Werkself won their first Bundesliga title, while also being the first team to do so unbeaten. They completed the domestic double, while winning the Europa League final. Their defeat to Atalanta in Dublin was their only loss across all competitions last season. After last term’s success, the challenge will be for them to repeat that in 2024/25, which will be an incredibly tall order.
Stuttgart went from playing in a two-legged playoff to stay in the Bundesliga, to finishing second in the league almost a year later. That sees them return to Europe after an 11-year wait. Stuttgart has reached a European final twice, in 1988/89 (UEFA Cup) and 1997/98 (Cup Winners Cup). They have failed to win their last six continental clashes, which they will have to change very quickly in the UCL.
For the first time in over a decade, Bayern Munich went without a trophy. Leverkusen’s Bundesliga glory put an end to the Bavarians’ domination of German football. They did reach the UCL semifinals though, coming less than five minutes away from the final. Much will be expected from Bayern next term, and they will want to return to the top of German football, while making a serious challenge for the UCL.
RB Leipzig finished in fourth, making a return to the UCL proper. RBL has been eliminated in the round of 16 of the UCL in each of the last two years, losing to the team who would go on to lift the trophy both times. This will be Leipzig’s sixth consecutive UCL appearance, with the club looking to at least match their semifinal showing four years ago.
Borussia Dortmund’s run to the UCL final overshadowed what was otherwise a disappointing Bundesliga season, where they finished fifth. However, Die Schwarzgelben will play in the UCL next term due to Germany winning a European Performance Spot. They will have to make the most of it though, as it could be key to Germany earning it again at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Eintracht Frankfurt would have been disappointed with the UCL final result. despite finishing sixth, Die Adler had a chance to return to the Champions League had Dortmund prevailed in the final. Instead, it will be Europa League football for Frankfurt. They did win it when they last took part of the UEL, beating Rangers in the 2021/22 final.
For the first time since 2020/21, Hoffenheim returns to European football. Their seventh place finish in the league sees them enter the UEL proper. They managed to get out of their group last time out, the only time they were able to do so. That was the only time the Sinsheim-based club has successfully negotiated the group phase.
For the first time since 2017/18, Germany will have a European debutant, in the form of Heidenheim. It as a magical year for the club, as they finished eighth in the Bundesliga in what was their first season. The reward is a spot in the Conference League playoff round. A fair bit of Germany’s success hinges on whether they will be able to make the Conference League, as defeat in the playoff round can hurt quite a bit. Just ask Osasuna fans.
Germany‘s Season Ambition
The aim for Germany will be the same as last term: to finish in the top two of the season coefficient. This is more than possible, but Germany could struggle a bit more, especially after they having such a wonderful 2023/24 season. Heidenheim making their European bow now could come back to haunt them, but Germany is expected to challenge for the top two again.
Germany should be happy with at least 18.500 points, which is just a bit less than they earned last season. Getting 20.000 points or more has to be seen as the target for Germany, especially since that number will become the new (unofficial) minimum for the European Performance spot. Thus, 20.000 should be the target, but 18.000 still would not be bad.
What a Good Season Would Look Like for Germany
Germany should be happy with having all their teams in the league phase. Beyond that, at least seven of the eight teams making the knockout stages would go a long way to Germany getting a fifth UCL spot.
When talking about coefficients, Germany will be happy with a total of at least 19.500 points, which would be a good year. Go over 20.000, and that will put the country in serious business for an EPS. Anything less than 19.000 has to be seen as a failed season.
What to Expect From Germany in 2024/25
So, can we expect a similar level of success from German clubs in Europe? That is the question. It will be hard to maintain that level, which will put a lot of stress on the German clubs due to the euros.
German football expert Manuel Veth thinks there is some good for the German teams in the new format. “I do think the new format might actually help Bundesliga teams,” Veth said. “I also think that Leverkusen have a good chance of going deep in the Champions League. We definitely seen the Bundesliga be more competitive overall in Europe, which makes me fell positive about the European campaigns next year.”
Heidenheim could become a problem though, as Veth fears. “I do fear that European football comes too early for Heidenheim. While well run, I worry that the lack of depth could be a big problem for them next season. As for the Conference League, much of it will depend on the draw and what stage of preparation the club will be in.” Heidenheim making the Conference League proper could be do or die for German football. Thus, they must help out with the coefficient.
Germany was not expected to pick up an EPS last time out, but they managed to do it. The country will likely struggle next term, which should surprise no one. An EPS looks unlikely for Germany this time, though we can always be proved wrong. Time will tell where Germany, and the other countries battling for an EPS, finishes at the conclusion of the season.